Delayed By Cobra Chickens

Professional sports that are played outdoors are like anything else: they're subject to the conditions. Weather plays a large part in determining whether or noth events can take place, and we've seen all sorts of delays over the years when it comes to Mother Nature delivering a dose of weather to an area. Mother Nature doesn't always send weather, though, as we've also seen a number of delays due to animals checking out the action at events as well. Baseball often sees many of these delays, and we've seen cats, bees, midges, alligators, and squirrels all put a pause in a game as athletes and event crew try to get these guests off the field of play. And we can add another animal to the list tonight!

I've alluded to it before, but I do a little extra work on the side for the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association of Professional Baseball. As one of their official scorers, I get to see a lot of baseball played and we're always hoping for no delays. I was at the ballpark tonight, though, and we got a new type of delay that I hadn't seen before as a scorer or fan of baseball.

During the top of the sixth inning tonight, the game between the Sioux Falls Canaries and the Winnipeg Goldeyes was delayed by a couple of minutes thanks to some visitors dropping in on the outfield.
With the Goldeyes up 7-0 in the game, I'm not certain this put a damper on their efforts as pitcher Joey Matulovich was pitching a gem for the Fish on this night, but the four geese who stopped in for a closer view seemed to watch to see some baseball played before they left. The Goldeyes and the groundskeeping staff would eventually get them on their way, but we now have a Canada Goose delay in the world of sports!

There were a few fans who made jokes about just shooting the geese, but I should point out that Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. That act states,

"The MBCA provides for the protection and conservation of migratory birds, and prohibits people from harming birds, except under specified conditions. Several species, including Canada geese, are considered game birds and may be hunted. The Act gives the federal government the responsibility to establish hunting seasons, and Canada Geese are greatly appreciated by migratory game bird hunters across the country."

In short, the two players that were planning on throwing their gloves at the geese may have been in trouble had they actually done that. I don't think the Canadian government would have responded harshly, but Canadian Geese are a protected species nonetheless.

All jokes and warnings aside, there's a new one for the "game delayed due to..." fans. Hockey fans don't need to worry about Canadian Geese landing on their playing surface, thankfully, but we have seen bad weather, water main breaks, ice resurfacing machine breakdowns, warm weather, fog, and bats all bring a halt to the action on the ice.

No matter the season, it seems Mother Nature finds a way to have a little fun with professional sports events. From inclement weather to equipment problems to random animal appearances, delays happen in all sorts of ways no matter what the sport or season. Just remember that if a delay happens, keep your cool and don't get "fowl"!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!